Capital City Receives 100-point Score for Seventh Year in a Row
January 6, 2021
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza and The City of Providence’s LGBTQIA+ Liaison and Deputy Director of Policy Bret Jacob today announced the City’s 2020 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) score. Providence received a score of 100. The City has earned this grade every year since 2014 and remains the only eligible city in Rhode Island to receive such high marks. Only 94 out of 506 cities nationwide achieved 100-point scores.
“Providence is a City of Kindness because we care for the wellbeing of all our residents,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “My Administration works continuously to prioritize equity and equality for all. 2020 was filled with so many challenges that exposed divisions across the country. I am proud the City is once again leading the nation in LGBTQIA+ initiatives and standards. As always, we will strive for even greater protections of rights in the new year and beyond.”
The MEI is a tool of the Human Rights Campaign and Equality Federation Institute uses to measure the inclusivity of municipal laws, policies, and services for LGBTQIA+ community members. Cities are also rated on the municipality as an employer, non-discrimination laws, equity in municipal services, law enforcement practices, and the city leadership’s relevant public positions.
“The MEI is more than just a score, it reflects our values as a City and is a clear signal to our LGBTQIA+ siblings that Providence is a safe place to live, work, and play,” said Providence LGBTQIA+ Liaison and Deputy Director of Policy Bret Jacob. “We will use these values to tackle the deeper systemic challenges that stand in the way of intersectional equality for our community.”
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